Best Part of DVC

[com_op_2000]

The vacations you get to take that you never would of, had you not had DVC.

 

[bigvig1130]

You know, I see a lot of people complaining about DVC. If you don't want to own, then don't own. Disney didn't force you to sign on. I just became a member last week (just waiting for the member letter in the mail). Here is why I bought into DVC:

1) I don't look at it as an investment. The only vacations in which I expect a return on my money is when I go to Vegas. I look at it as an excuse to take a vacation every 2 years. Sometimes I need that kind of kick in the seat to go enjoy myself.

2) I like the flexibility of going every 2 years as opposed to going every year (like other timeshares). This lets me avoid high airfare prices every other year (which by the way, Disney doesn't make money on).

3) I took my DD11 on DCL for the first time last year. Since I don't live with her everyday, I had no idea how into Disney she is. BeIng part of a "Disney" vacation club (regardless of how non exclusive it is to me) makes HER feel special. Kind of like believing in the tooth fairy.

4) Outside of the upfront cost, for the next 43 years, my vacation lodging will be covered by my tax refund (kind of convenient that MFs are due right around refund time). My refunds are extra money so I won't notice the MFs at all.

5) I know RCI exchanges are not as valuable as DVC stays, but if I really want to go somewhere outside of DVC, I can (again I can avoid giving Disney money if I want).

6) Just because I stay at my home resort (AKV), that doesn't mean I have to spend tons of money on park passes and food every time I go (can cook my own food, enjoy the resort amenities, etc.). Sometimes it's nice knowing you have a place to get away to.

7) Knowing I can send my DD to Florida as a college graduation gift down the road, or send her to honeymoon in Hawaii ( both things she said she would love). I also have a DS not even a year old yet. I can give those things to him as well.

8) Being able to decide one year to stay a week or so with my own family, or save some points and have family join me in a 2 bedroom another year. Again, flexibility.

9) Disney offers an experience that most other entities can't provide. Just like going to a fancy restaurant as opposed to going to Outback. You pay a premium for the experience.

There are other reasons as well, these are just a few. BTW, I bought resale so I saved money up front as well.

 

[bababear_50]

Flexibility of choosing my time frame--not a set week timeshare.


Hugs Mel

 

[Minniesgal]

For me it is knowing as I leave the world that I will be back

 

[disneybass]

i would not recommend thinking of it as a club, for one.

it's a timeshare. it's partially prepaid accommodations combined with a long-term on-going liability in the form of annual dues (also called maintenance fees). i think it was a pretty good deal for onsite stays at wdw (but i paid less than $100 per pt, so i think buying at direct prices is tough to justify.)

there are perks that come with DVC ownership, but they can come and go. you should make a purchase decision based on accommodation value alone IMO.

Well said Charles and I agree with all above.

 

[lovin'fl]

THE best 2 things about owning DVC are:
1- we get to go to WDW frequently...more frequently than we would if we didn't own DVC...for sure.
2- we get a villa that gives us separate sleeping spaces for kids and us parents. And washer and dryer and jetted soaker tub are huge bonuses too (kitchen is not a necessity...we don't cook on vacation, but we can keep things in the fridge and do quick breakfasts...so kitchen is nice).

If we didn't own DVC, we would probably have gone to WDW once every 3 or 4 years instead of 1-2 times per year. And we would have to stay off property if we wanted villa/condo style accommodations because we could never afford or would never think about paying for the WDW villas as a cash resie.

 

[bruhl1j]

Slower pace vacations, nice rooms, and discounts are part of DVC but for me it is the small things that come with membership. Last trip I found out that golf lessons were held at SSR every Thursday and Friday for DVC members ($20). I am hoping to get my two DS into golf. The pro was great. As luck would have it, my sons were the only ones in the class. The head pro (I think of all Disney golf) was there to observe the other pro. He started helping one son while the first pro taught my other son. Needless to say, it was a great Disney experience.

Also, we are going back in Nov. Already got PAP, TIW card, and a room with left over points. The second trip is costing me gas money, a few ADRs, and that is about it. We eat breakfast in the room, pack snacks and water, and bring a few meals for the room. For less than a thousand or so, I am getting a second trip in one year. Yes, I know points, taxes, tickets, etc but those are paid for. Very little OOP this time. A kitchen helps save big bucks.

This trip we will use the PAP through DVC and play golf for free on the 9 hole course. If one son comes away learning or loving golf, all the dues and upfront cost will be worth it. And don't discount the many trips and memories we will have each year.

Jeff

 

[bighoo93]

As a perspective buyer I am interested to know what everyone considers the best part of being a DVC owner. Especially if it was something that you wouldn't anticipate before you buy. We are getting ready to pull the trigger on a purchase and love to hear what makes this "club" so special.

Although I understand why so many say they don't think of DVC as a club, in some ways it is (and not just the name). I think you are joining a group of people who are overall very enthusiastic about their love for Disney, and I think to a degree that is probably greater than owners of other timeshares are about their particular timeshare company. I don't know if this has any value to you or not, but I do think there is something there, and a feeling of belonging that Disney cultivates.

I don't personally care much about that. For me it is all about getting more for my money when I stay at WDW. I can either stay in better accommodations for the same money, or stay for less in comparable rooms if I were not a DVC member.

 

[Candy Orlando]

I paid the same amount of money that some of my friends paid for a Country Club membership. Some of them have said they should have joined Disney Vacation Club. I can play golf, tennis, swim, ride horses. There is great food and entertainment. I've made friends with members. It's a Vacation Country Club. It's so much fun!!!